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In-depth analysis and commentary on today's biggest news stories as only the BBC can deliver. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe.

An unusual alliance formed to endorse a candidate the Philadelphia Democratic Party left by the wayside.

Four of Philadelphia’s five living mayors — Michael Nutter, John Street, Ed Rendell and Bill Green Sr. — all threw their support behind Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez Tuesday in her bid for a third term on City Council.

They say she received a raw deal from the Democratic Party, which refused to back her re-election campaign. Instead, the party for a time supported her primary opponent Manny Morales.

There is no doubt the incumbent is the best for the job, said Green.

“It is as clear as it can possibly be, Maria is a standout and a star, she had to beat the (Democratic Party) machine to get here, and she’s going to beat the machine again to go back, and it will be for the third time,” he said.

Sanchez, who said she has taken unpopular positions in order to fight for the people in the 7th District, said that’s why the party didn’t support her.

“I’m trying to do the right thing, and doing the right thing means you have to have courage,” she said. “In my community, there are a lot of people who are intimidated, and I have to be their advocates.”

The party pulled backing from Morales after questionable social media posts came to its attention, posts Morales has denied making.